Agritourism challenges

The Sept. 3 article Agritourism in the southern part of the county is picking up a slice of Miami’s tourism market celebrates agritourism generated by Robert Is Here, Schnebly Redland’s Winery, the Fruit and Spice Park and RF Orchids. However, it was disappointing not to also read about the success of the Redlands Farmers Market, Knaus Berry Farms, Red Barn and Burr Berry Farms.

This story also failed to address the challenges facing farms, nurseries and orchards with the never-ending encroachment of suburban sprawl. There seem to be few Miami-Dade commissioners who vote to protect the zoning in Homestead and Redlands from more shopping centers, big-box stores and housing projects.

At this rate, it will not be too long before all of our fruits, vegetables and flowers are imported from South and Central America. That will be a sad day, indeed.

There are many important municipal elections scheduled this year throughout Miami-Dade County. The impact of those elections on local residents spans across many issues, like personal safety and security, taxation, and neighborhood recareation programs.

Because these issues often affect the quality of residential life and the delivery of municipal public services, residents should take more than passing interest in who their candidates are and what they stand for. It is most important for all of us to become informed and vote.